By Fritz Alcindor Jr.
Welcome to Mock 2.0. After the NBA Lottery, we now know our seeding for this year’s NBA Draft on November 18th. I don’t believe the Knicks should be content with their draft seeding of just the 8th position. Knicks should try to move up to #2 and draft Lamelo Ball since Golden State is willing to part with the pick. I propose a trade that can lighten the long term financial load of the Warriors while creating team depth. Julius Randle is not a good fit for the long term for Golden State either. He however can become a nice mid-season trade chip for them. If the Warriors can move Andrew Wiggin’s large contract they would enjoy better flexibility for future trades. Andrew Wiggins would be a huge addition to the Charlotte Hornets. They can use the 25 points per game scorer at small forward. This would create a formidable starting lineup in Charlotte with Devonte Graham at point guard and PJ Washington at power forward. The Knicks would land their prized draft pick along with Nicholas Batum. Batum will opt into his 1-year deal, but we shouldn’t expect him to see the court again. Everybody gets something valuable out of the trade. This would not be a playoff team for the Knicks. It would be a team focusing on development.
The Knicks in free agency should prioritize shooting. If Lamelo Ball and Mitchell Robinson are to be core pieces the Knicks need to add players that can pick up the slack in shooting. I have some surprise signings in my mock 2.0. I propose those signings would be Harry Giles III and DJ Augustine. They would open up the floor for the Knicks. Augustine is a good shooter and ball handler who can play shooting guard in a pinch. Harry Giles III is a power forward and center who is not well known. He is especially adept at passing and would make a perfect 6th man upfront backing up Mitchel Robinson and our power forward position. He possibly can even replace Mitchell Robinson if the Knicks are not satisfied with Mitch’s progress. Adding Christian Wood would add more pressure on Mitchell Robinson to up his game. I don’t think the Knicks will look for a big extension for Mitchell Robinson unless he shows more to his game.
PRE DRAFT TRADE (agreed in principal)
Warriors Receive:
Julius Randle + Wayne Ellington + 2020 #8 Pick from Knicks + 2023 Dallas (via Knicks) 1st Round Pick (11-30 pick) + future considerations from Knicks
November 20th future consideration: Golden State acquires Bobby Portis with their $17.6 million Trade Exception
Hornets Receive:
Andrew Wiggins from Golden State
Knicks Receive:
Nicolas Batum (needs to opt-in for 20-21) from Charlotte + 2020 #2 Pick from Golden State + 2020 #51 Pick from Golden State
DRAFT NIGHT TRADE (agreed in principal)
Timberwolves Receive:
#27th Pick + # 38th Pick + Dennis Smith Jr. + Reggie Bullock
for
Knicks Receive:
#17 Pick + Jake Layman
DRAFT NIGHT PICKS
Lamelo Ball with the #2 pick
Jaden McDaniels with the #17 pick
Nick Richards with the #51 Pick
Knicks Released Contracts
- Knicks release Theo Pinson
- Knicks release Elfrid Payton
- Knicks release Taj Gibson
Free Agency Signings
Knicks resign Damyean Dotson 2 years / $8m
Jared Harper 1 year / 1.2m non-guaranteed
Knicks sign Christian Wood 3 years / $33m
Knicks sign Harry Giles III 2 years / $16m
Knicks sign Skal Labissiere 1 year / $5m
Knicks sign DJ Augustine 1 + 1 year / $7m per season
Lineup To Start The Season
Point Guards: Lamelo Ball / DJ Augustine / Frank Ntilikina / Jared Harper
Shooting Guards: RJ Barrett / Damyean Dotson / Ignas Brazdikis
Small Forwards: Jaden McDaniels / Jake Layman / Kevin Knox
Power Forwards: Christian Wood / Harry Giles III / Kenny Wooten
Centers: Mitchell Robinson / Skal Labissiere / *Nick Richards
Injured Reserve: Nicolas Batum
11 Man Rotation in Bold
* 2-Way Contract
